Dr. Sommer Aldulaimi, an associate professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, received the MedGlobal Humanitarian Award for establishing an obstetrics training program in Bangladesh. The program teaches basic life support skills to midwives and doctors working in Rohingya refugee camps. With over 1 million refugees, these camps have some of the highest maternal and childhood mortality rates globally. By training medical staff in basic obstetric care, Dr. Aldulaimi aims to reduce preventable deaths.
Dr. Aldulaimi was recognized for this work in November 2023 at the MedGlobal annual conference. MedGlobal is a nongovernmental health organization providing care in vulnerable communities globally. Dr. Kristen Rundell, chair of the University of Arizona Department of Family and Community Medicine, commended Dr. Aldulaimi for exemplifying the humanity at the heart of medicine through her patient-centered care model.
Visiting the refugee camps was an emotional experience for Dr. Aldulaimi. As the daughter of Middle Eastern immigrants to America, she reflected on her fortune in being a U.S. citizen. Focusing on the lifesaving impact of her training program gives Dr. Aldulaimi the resilience to continue this difficult but meaningful work. Through her career achievements and humanitarian efforts, Dr. Aldulaimi upholds the highest values of family medicine.
Read the full article: Sommer Aldulaimi receives MedGlobal Humanitarian Award.
Learn more about Rohingya refugee crisis at the UNHCR website.